Week 10 & 11

Still Summer. . .

WEEK 10:

A Boat Trip:

For some reason or another Mats wanted to take out the boat on Wednesday night. I think he wanted to check the engine or something. Anyhow, he asked Johan and I if we wanted to come along. With nothing scheduled but the airing of America's Next Top Model, I agreed.

I've always liked boats. There's just something calming about the wind on a boat. By some random act of luck I may actually be able to afford one someday. The only problem is the amount of work it takes to maintain it. And since we all know how lazy I am, this may not be such a feasible option. That is, unless I have co-ownership with a person who likes to do lots of work by themselves.

The personal ad should read something like this: Money donar needed. Must be willing to do all maintanance and upkeep on the boat, while paying for all expenses as well. Must also like to chauffer around lazy unhelpful writer of said ad.

Any takers?

this was the view from the boat

When I asked Mats what the name of the boat was he couldn't give me one. So I've taken it upon myself to name the little guy. I think I'll call him "Pepe Jr.". The original Pepe is my lovely car back home. I once heard that it was bad luck to have a boat without a name (knowledge courtesy of Forest Gump). So now the little fellar has a name and we don't have to worry about this whole bad luck situation thingamabob.

Skolklaster, the castle

We took the boat to Skolklaster, a castle situated on a peninsula. We docked the boat and then went for a little tour.

Hangin' out on the back of the boat

And yes Dad this life is hard work (contrary to what this may seem like). Ha! just kidding.

Gideonsburg lost this week to Vasalund. Because Vasalund has 2 losses that puts us in first place by three points. Finally, a little luck.

update: Since we failed to win on Sunday, we're only ahead by one point. So much for the luck part.

WEEK 11:

Fields of Yellow:

There are these fields in Sweden where the flowers are a florecent highlighter-yellow. You can't help but notice them. I want to get a picture, because to me, they are typical Sweden; quitely beautiful.

On Sunday we took a trip to drop the kids off at Mats's sister's house, where they're going to stay for a week. The drive was over an hour and we passed several of these fields on our way there. I asked Mats if we could stop on the way back so that I could get my picture. Sure sure he said.

On the way back Anna and me watched Mats fly by 1, 2, 3, 4 fields with out even a glance. He was so consumed by finding perfection that he wouldn't even entertain slowing down.

"There's one just up ahead where the fields are on both sides of the road," he said. "It's a much better field than this one."

Meanwhile the clock is ticking and the city is drawing near. Farm land is turning into towns, that will soon turn into Uppsala. By the time Mats realized that he had passed all the yellow fields it was too late. He had let the testosterone get in the way of his judgement again and the opportunity passed.

I'll have to show you another day, because I think it's worth seeing. And I'll get my picture one way or another, it just won't be today.

Vacation Time:

I remember one time watching Oprah and she had on all these women from around the world talking about how they live their lives and what their perception of Americans were. All of them said that Americans don't know how to relax, we don't know how to enjoy life and appreciate time off. This is because we don't really get vacations, at least not in the month-long range, and when we do we're hesitant to take them. For some reason we feel guilty about doing nothing. Laying on a beach for a month isn't really considered constructive time.

However, you'll be glad to know that I'm learning to shed my American ways and embrace this new perspective of the month-long vacation.

For starters, tomorrow (7/4/05) Fanta and I are going on a boat trip to Finland that travels through the Swedish Archipelago. It's a huge cruise ship with shopping, spas, night clubs and a million other accessories. We'll stay overnight on some island and then be back the next day.

Then Friday my mother is coming to Uppsala. We'll do the whole Sweden thing for a couple of days and then we're off to Barcelona to have a true European vacation. Unfortunatly Tiequero Taco Bell is about the only Spanish I know. I think my mother knows even less. This should be more than interesting.

And regardless of my language shortcommings, I'm actually quite impressed with my travel laden plans. So this is adios folks. Be back in two weeks or so.

A full update can be expected on return.

Football Diaries: A Journey Through Sweden